Please read the information below which gives details of our Pupil Premium Grant and how we allocate the funding.

Free School Meals and Pupil Premium Grant

Since September 2014 all children in Reception, Years 1 and 2 have an automatic qualification to receive a free meal regardless of income, in line with the Government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals initiative.

The government recognises the benefits of providing a healthy school meal to the most disadvantaged pupils.

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit attending these schools will be entitled to receive a free meal.  However, there are two categories:

• Targeted FSM – Covering pupils with households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7400 or less
• Extra support offered - Qualifies the pupil for Pupil Premium funding and programs like the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme.
• Meals - Includes a free daily school meal

• Expanded FSM – Covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit.
• Extra Support - does not qualify the student for Pupil Premium
• Meals - Covers the cost of the daily school meal.

Who is eligible for benefits based free school meals?

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, FSM eligibility is expanded to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings. Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits: 

• Universal Credit
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:

• a claim for this support has been made
• their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority 

If you meet or think you meet the criteria, we need information about you and your child.

Please complete the "Applying for Free School Meals" document below and return it to Mrs Porteous in the Junior school office. 

It is important to note, that this will not affect any other benefits you are claiming and your information will be treated in the strictest confidence.